International Mountain Day is observed on December 11 each year to raise awareness about the importance of mountains and their role in human life. In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly designated December 11 as International Mountain Day in the Gregorian calendar, following the International Year of Mountains, to ensure continued global attention to mountain-related issues. Mountains cover about 22 percent of the Earth's surface, and more than 900 million people live in mountain regions. On this day, various events such as conferences, educational workshops, and environmental activities are held worldwide to highlight the importance of protecting mountain ecosystems and their role in providing water, biodiversity, and livelihoods for local communities.
